Top Mountie asks watchdog to investigate why officers took guns from flooded houses into police storage and if that was “in accordance with our policies.”

Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield waves to the crowd with Alberta Premier Alison Redford on Friday as the 101st Calgary Stampede kicks off. The Stampede started after a major flood hit Calgary and surrounding areas two weeks ago.

OTTAWA—In an unusual move that may ultimately counter criticism by both the public and the Prime Minister’s Office about the RCMP decision to retrieve and secure firearms from flooded homes in High River, Alta., the top Mountie has asked the RCMP’s watchdog agency to investigate the “gun seizures.”

However, the Star has learned that an investigation is already underway following two formal complaints filed by unidentified Alberta residents.

McPhail said in an interview he had received complaints from Alberta residents who were not personally affected but were concerned about the RCMP’s actions. Paulson was made aware of those two complaints.

That investigation is expected to be completed within 90 days. A report may take a bit longer to produce.

Paulson pledged Friday that the RCMP will co-operate fully with any inquiry undertaken by McPhail, which the watchdog said will make his job a lot easier.

“Clearly this is an issue where there is public concern and important legal issues,” said McPhail.

He said he will look at legal powers and RCMP policies regarding the right of police to enter homes in emergencies, what powers or restrictions govern their ability to search or seize property once they are inside, and other considerations regarding the possession and safe storage of firearms in a private home.

When news of the seizures broke, two top spokesmen for Prime Minister Stephen Harper — Andrew MacDougall and Carl Vallée — weighed in publicly, chiding the RCMP in identical statements: “We expect that any firearms taken will be returned to their owners as soon as possible. We believe the RCMP should focus on more important tasks such as protecting lives and private property.”

The government is supposed to remain at arm’s length from the RCMP on all operational matters. Some, including the Official Opposition, have suggested the PMO’s intervention during a tense situation in the flooded town crossed that line.

Paulson signalled clearly on Friday that he had no reservations about the decisions made by his officers in K Division and that his request for an inquiry is in response to the ferocious criticism prompted by the gun seizures.

In their rush to flee the flooding, many firearm owners took guns out of basements and left them high and dry in their houses or, in other cases, hidden but unsecured.

RCMP Const. Francine Hennelly said last week: “We seized any firearms that were noted that were in plain view. We seized what we saw that could potentially be a hazard. Anything properly stored in gun lockers were left.”

Paulson’s letter states natural disasters “test, not only the mettle of our citizens, but also our community leaders, emergency and first responders including the police.”

“While I am very proud of the heroic response of our members and employees (many of whom were personally impacted) in helping the community stay safe during this disaster, I am quite concerned by the sharp criticism that has arisen in the media with respect to the gun seizures from evacuated homes.”

The Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP could well rule the RCMP’s actions were appropriate and in line with current policy. Or it could recommend better ways that the RCMP action ought to have been carried out or communicated to the public.

“Maybe they could’ve handled the communications better,” said McPhail.

The gun seizures prompted outrage among many residents of High River and brought on media criticism in a province where firearm ownership is fiercely defended.

Alberta Premier Alison Redford defended the RCMP’s work and regretted it had become fodder for controversy, saying nobody’s guns were confiscated.

“The RCMP went in and secured a community that has been evacuated and, as part of that work, they went into houses where there were firearms that weren’t properly secured,” said Redford. “And as opposed to leaving them sitting on fireplace mantels in a town that has been evacuated, they secured those guns. There was no suggestion that people will not be able to have their guns back again.”

Paulson was not available for an interview Friday. A media relations officer said the letter speaks for itself.

More on thestar.com

We value respectful and thoughtful discussion. Readers are encouraged to flag comments that fail to meet the standards outlined in our
Community Code of Conduct.
For further information, including our legal guidelines, please see our full website
Terms and Conditions.